RAM is one of the most important components inside your computer and can have a big impact on performance. Whether it’s running applications, browsing the internet, or experiencing the latest games, memory makes all of that possible.
When you perform tasks, your computer’s processor receives data from internal storage and puts it into RAM for quick access. Having enough RAM can help you avoid slowdowns.
What is RAM?
RAM is short-term memory that stores and quickly accesses data being used by applications, programs, and games. It’s volatile, meaning it loses its data when the device is shut off or rebooted. It’s usually soldered onto the logic board of a desktop computer or installed in rectangular modules that go in sockets on the motherboard.
Most modern computers use an upgraded form of DRAM called synchronous DRAM (SDRAM). This technology is faster than legacy DRAM, but still slower than internal storage like a hard drive or solid-state disk.
The amount of RAM you need depends on how you use your computer. Most users with typical computing tasks—email, writing documents, surfing the web, and so on—can get by with 8GB of RAM or less. More demanding tasks—like serious PC gaming or video editing—require 16GB of RAM and more. This is why most computers come with 2 or more slots for adding RAM. Many of these come with the standard type of DDR3 or DDR4 RAM, while others may use low-power LPDDR# or GDDR#.
How does RAM work?
As the name implies, RAM offers lightning-fast data access and is directly connected to your computer’s motherboard. The more RAM you have, the faster your system will run.
When you run a game or stream a movie, your computer puts all the necessary data into RAM so its processor can quickly access it. When you’re done and close the program, the operating system shifts the data from RAM to storage (like your hard drive or cloud) for long-term use.
When your working demands exceed the capacity of your RAM, your computer’s hard drive picks up the slack, slowing down your system. This is why it’s important to regularly clear wasteful junk from your computer using a specialized RAM optimization tool.
How much RAM do I need?
All the data your computer needs to perform tasks – like opening applications and playing games – is stored in RAM. This is why the higher the capacity, the faster your device will perform. RAM acts as a buffer between the processor and permanent storage, such as SSDs and HDDs. This eliminates constant back and forth of information between RAM and storage, allowing the CPU to work more quickly.
For most users, a 16GB RAM kit is ideal. It will give you plenty of headroom for everyday computing, and it’s also well-suited to modern games at a reasonable resolution and frame rate.
If you plan on doing creative work, such as recording audio and editing photos or 4K videos with software programs, then 32GB of RAM might be more appropriate. Professionals working with large project files may prefer 64GB of RAM to ensure smooth workflows. The most important thing is to find a combination of speed and capacity that suits your use case.
What if I don’t have enough RAM?
Like a bigger desk, the more RAM you have, the more papers, folders and tasks can be out at once without slowing down. If your computer starts acting sluggishly, you might need to upgrade its memory capacity.
When computing demands exceed your PC’s available RAM, Windows and applications will start moving data in and out of storage to free up RAM. This process is called paging, and it’s why your computer can feel slow if it has too little RAM.
If you use your computer for heavy multitasking and demanding programs or games, then I recommend 16+ GB of RAM to ensure optimal performance. It’s one of the best investments you can make for your PC’s longevity. I have personally upgraded RAM on two previous computers, and it dramatically lengthened their usable life. You can see how much RAM your computer is using by looking at the Task Manager window, or in the System View section of the System Control Panel.